God of Our Fathers

Verse 1

God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle line, Beneath whose awful hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget!

Verse 2

The tumult and the shouting dies; The captains and the kings depart; Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget!

Verse 3

Far called our navies melt away. On dune and headland sinks the fire; Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget!

Verse 4

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe, Such boasting as the Gentiles use Or lesser breeds without the law: Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget, lest we forget!

Verse 5

For heathen heart that puts her trust In reeking tube and iron shard; All valiant dust that builds on dust, And guarding calls not Thee to guard: For frantic boast and foolish word, Thy mercy on Thy people, Lord!